Multimode Test Capabilities enabled on iOLM
QUEBEC CITY, CANADA, December 12, 2013 – EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO, TSX: EXF) today announced the addition of multimode test capabilities to its unique fiber characterization tool, the iOLM, making it the ideal troubleshooting tool for fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) and data center networks.Essentially, this means that EXFO’s FTB-720 LAN/WAN Access test module now supports full iOLM functionalities on both singlemode and multimode fibers. Launched in 2011 for singlemode, the iOLM was designed to simplify OTDR testing by removing the need to set parameters as well as analyze and interpret multiple complex OTDR traces. By combining multiple pulse widths on multiple wavelengths with advanced algorithms, the iOLM correlates all OTDR results to locate and identify faults with maximum resolution, all at the push of a single button. The iOLM enables fiber technicians of all skill levels to characterize end-to-end fiber links the same way an experienced OTDR technician would.
To cope with multimode networks increasing requirements, EXFO also announced that its solution now fulfills encircled flux compliance. The encircled flux standard (EF), as recommended by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA-526-14-B) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 61280-4-1), is a method of controlling light source launch conditions to eliminate variations in test results that tend to occur when using different sources in multimode environments. EXFO developed a compact and lightweight external launch mode conditioner, the SPSB-EF, which can be paired with an FLS-600 light source or any EXFO multimode OTDR to create a precise, repeatable and cost-effective EF-compliant test solution.
“By making the iOLM available for multimode fibers, network operators and contractors working in fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) or distributed antenna systems (DAS) environment can ensure that problems are identified faster than ever before” said Étienne Gagnon, EXFO’s Vice-President, Physical Layer and Wireless Division. “When paired with EF conditioner, EXFO’s iOLM-MM also boosts Tier-2 certification and troubleshooting for data center applications, which is critical to improve mean time to recovery (MTTR) and avoid the high cost of downtime.”
To serve the basic Tier-1 certification market, EXFO is also releasing a new version of the FLS-600 Light Source. This handheld light source offers built-in EF-compliant launch conditions that ensure proper loss measurement according to the latest standards. Find out more at EXFO.com/iOLM and EXFO.com/EF.
About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, VDSL2, ADSL2+ and various optical technologies accounting for more than 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market. EXFO has a staff of approximately 1600 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com and follow us on the EXFO Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.